3D Scanning Services
Scan data as captured is typically not very useful in most popular CAD packages. We have access to a range of scan processing tools to help make useful information from the scan data. This might be for reverse engineering where software Geomagic Design X and Quicksurface are our chosen tools or for inspection where Geomagic Control X is required.
Scan data alignment.
When captured, scan data is created in an arbitrary position, which makes it difficult to position when importing into other applications. We can realign the data so that it sits in a sensible position relative to an origin and CAD coordinate system.
Scan data repair and enhancement.
It is often not possible to obtain a ‘perfect’ scan, as 3D scanners are impacted by many external factors such as lighting, range or surface finish of the object being scanned. In other situations, the object itself may have imperfections that are not desirable in the final scan (e.g. if it’s an old and worn part). We have access to a range of tools to help enhance and rebuild scans.
Scan to surface model conversion.
Scan data is usually slow and difficult to work in CAD, if you need a reference model to work around (without the need to make significant changes to it) then converting to a surface model is a good option. We can create surface models from scan data that can then be output into standard CAD formats such as STEP or IGES. These models are much smaller and easier to work with than the point or mesh data produced by a scanner.
Scan to parametric model conversion.
Sometimes what you really need from a scan is a fully editable CAD model. We have access to the industries best reverse engineering tools which allow a full parametric CAD model to be reconstructed from the cad data, and then transferred to your CAD system including it’s history tree. We can export to a number of popular CAD systems including SolidWorks, please call for more details.
Example Projects:
3D scan, alignment and parametric model of mould tooling for a casting company.
The company had a requirement to make design changes for a customer to a product dating back to the 1970s. There were no drawings of the tool and the shape of the part meant it was very difficult to accurately measure by hand. We came on site to the customer, scanned the tool, and then created a full 3D parametric model for the customer to use in their CAD system.
Replacement part for a special purpose machine.
We took an old, worn out component used on a one off special purpose machine used in a factory. The original manufacturer of the machine no longer existed and the worn out broken part was all that was available. We were able to scan the part, then convert it to a CAD model whilst selectively avoding recreating the damaged areas of the part so our client could manufacture new replacements as needed.”
Case Study - Pharmaceuticals
We were approached by one of the world's largest pharmaceutical corporations to scan parts of the process line to create 3D models for sharing with suppliers. The 3D models would then used for design of holding racks, trollies for autoclaving and storage.
We were required to create accurate 3D models of parts for spare part manufacture for a 1ml Syringe Vac Bell System, and then deliver data in 3D models for the client's own in house CAD system
Challenges
-
All parts were highly polished stainless steel.
-
26 parts were presented for scanning, each with a different level of difficulty
-
The general way to scan highly polished objects is to spray with a talc like substance however in this case none of the 3 sprays tested passed residue tests so we decided to use the new handy scan black 3D scanner as being one of only a few scanner that can scan polished stainless steel.
-
For extracting the data into CAD we used Quicksurface software - read more about Quicksurface here.
The work was completed in three days and the client was presented with the 3D models in their own system.